General problems with downloaded software (freezes, unresponsiveness, etc.) (2024)

Description:

When you try to launch a physical or downloaded game on a Nintendo Switch console, there is a long loading time, a long delay, the console freezes or becomes unresponsive.

More information:

If a specific error code or message appears, look it up in the knowledge base and follow the steps there.

Possible solutions:

  • Restart the Nintendo Switch console by pressing and holding the POWER button for at least three seconds, then select 'Power Settings' > 'Restart'.
    • If the console is unresponsive, press and hold the POWER button for twelve seconds to force the console off. Then turn it back on.
  • Perform a system update.
  • Check for software updates for the problematic game.
  • Check for corrupt data.
  • Uninstall the problematic software and then download it again.
  • If the issue persists and a microSD card is used with the console, try the following:
    • Format the microSD card.
    • Replace the microSD card.
    • Remove the microSD card and download the game directly to the system memory.

Situation not resolved:

Is the software published by Nintendo of Europe AG or by a licensee?

Published by Nintendo of Europe AGPublished by a licensed company

If the software is published by Nintendo of Europe AG, pleaseContact usFor support.

If the software is published by a licensee, please contact the licensee.

General problems with downloaded software (freezes, unresponsiveness, etc.) (2024)

FAQs

Why do my Switch downloads keep failing? ›

Possible Solutions:

Perform a system update. Check for any software updates for the problematic game. Check for corrupt data. Delete the problematic software and then redownload it.

How to fix Nintendo Switch software error? ›

Possible solutions
  1. Restart the Nintendo Switch console by holding down the POWER Button for at least three seconds, then selecting Power Options and Restart. ...
  2. Perform a system update.
  3. Check for any software updates for the problematic game.
  4. Check for corrupt data.
  5. Delete the problematic software and then redownload it.

Why does my Switch say download will pause if the software being played uses communication features? ›

Some games and software will pause downloads when they are being played. This is generally done to ensure the best experience when using a game's online features and services.

How to fix Switch freezing? ›

Hold down the POWER Button for at least 20 seconds to force the console to power off, then remove any game cards or microSD cards. Power on the console and perform a system update. If the issue persists, power off the console again, then format the console without deleting save data.

Why do downloads sometimes fail? ›

This error means that your computer's security settings blocked the file. Learn more about blocked downloads. On Windows: Windows Attachment Manager could have removed the file you tried to download. To check which files you can download or why your file was blocked, check your Windows internet security settings.

Why does my download keep pausing on Switch? ›

What to do. Ensure that your console has the latest system version. Restart the console by holding down the POWER Button for at least 3 seconds, then selecting Power Options and Restart. Confirm your console has an active internet connection.

What does clearing the cache on a switch do? ›

This will delete saved IDs, passwords, cookies, history and other cached website data. It will not affect the user's downloaded games or game save data.

How do I reset my switch software? ›

Complete These Steps:
  1. Select “System Settings” from the HOME Menu.
  2. Scroll down to “System” and select it.
  3. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the menu and select “Formatting Options”. ...
  4. Select “Restore Factory Settings” to delete all data in the system memory.

What to do if your Nintendo Switch has corrupted data? ›

Possible solutions
  1. Check to make sure your console has the latest system update. ...
  2. If your console is already up to date, restart it. ...
  3. Check for software updates for each title encountering the issue. ...
  4. Check for corrupt data for each title encountering the issue.

Why is my Switch stuck updating? ›

Check for wireless interference.

Make sure that your system is within 30 feet of the wireless router or other access point and facing in its general direction. Make sure that any other interfering devices, such as microwaves and cordless phones, are turned off.

How to fix software currently unavailable on Nintendo Switch? ›

If a previously announced software is not yet available in Nintendo eShop, wait for the release time and date, then download it.
  1. Ensure your Nintendo Account is set to the correct country. ...
  2. Try downloading the game or DLC through Nintendo eShop. ...
  3. Check the region compatibility for the software in question.

What is suspended software on Nintendo Switch? ›

In the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app, you can also comfortably monitor whether your children are keeping to the set time or not. By using the "Suspend Software" feature, you can set it so that the game turns off automatically when your child's gameplay time is up.

Why is my switch unresponsive? ›

Your console may have frozen.

If your console has frozen and is unresponsive, press and hold the POWER Button for at least 12 seconds to turn the console completely off. Then press the POWER Button again to turn the console on. * A Nintendo Switch is pictured here. There are differences with the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Is Nintendo Switch freezing normal? ›

A Nintendo Switch can freeze up on you for multiple reasons, including a loss of Wi-Fi connection, an incomplete download, a battery issue, or a software glitch. Whatever the reason for your system seizing up, getting back to the gaming is usually a quick and easy process.

How do I fix a Nintendo Switch download error? ›

Possible solutions
  1. Restart the Nintendo Switch system by holding down the POWER Button. ...
  2. Perform a system update. ...
  3. Check for software updates for each title encountering the issue. ...
  4. Check for corrupt data for each title encountering the issue. ...
  5. Delete each title encountering the issue and then redownload it.

Why is my Switch not letting me download games? ›

Sometimes, unstable connections can interrupt downloads. Restart the Switch: Power off your Switch completely and then turn it back on. This simple restart might resolve temporary software glitches. Check Available Storage: Verify if your Switch has enough available storage space to download and install the game.

Why do my downloads keep failing network error? ›

The network drivers control the interface between your Windows PC and a given network. But if you're running outdated or corrupted network drivers, this could cause various network connection issues. So, updating your network drivers could tackle the downloads network error on Chrome.

Why does my drive download keep failing? ›

The failed - network error may occur when you are downloading files on Google Drive. And it often occurs when you are downloading large files but it is not the general rule. The Google Drive download failed network error may be caused by the antivirus software, or the unwanted software blocking the installation.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5770

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.